El-Sayed bid draws scrutiny over classified access

Conservatives are raising national security concerns about Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed because senators can receive classified information for their official duties without completing the formal executive-branch security-clearance process required of many congressional staff members and executive officials.

The concern does not establish that El-Sayed has disclosed classified information or would do so. It centers on associations and public appearances that critics say should be examined before voters decide whether to place him in an office with access to sensitive government material.

Associations cited by critics

Fox News reported that El-Sayed appeared at an April campaign rally where he was introduced by Amir Makled, who had previously praised deceased Hezbollah members as martyrs.

Fox also reported that El-Sayed shared a stage at a mosque opening with Sheikh Fadhel al-Sahlani, a cleric who had praised Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack and minimized the number of Jewish people killed in the Holocaust. The United States designates both groups as terrorist organizations.

Critics have separately pointed to El-Sayed’s relationship with streamer Hasan Piker, who once said America “deserved 9/11.” El-Sayed called that statement dumb and distanced himself from Piker, but did not fully disavow him.

What Senate access means

Members of Congress are considered eligible to receive classified information because voters elected them. That differs from a formal executive-branch clearance, but it does not mean every senator receives every classified record; access must relate to official responsibilities.

El-Sayed’s campaign said he is running to keep Americans safe and reduce costs for Michigan families. It also criticized Mike Rogers’ foreign business connections.